Forbes Values of Franchise and Commentary

[Howie58]

Greetings:

The recent rumors regarding the possible sale/bailout of the New Jersey Devils by the league piqued my curiosity about values and revenue.

http://www.forbes.com/nhl-valuations/

Insofar as the Devils are concerned, you have to wonder about the debt issue: Who the heck funded this needed a rectal.

I don't see any real surprises. But I might comment that some fairly established teams aren't doing well. Buffalo had its bankruptcy and is a marginal money maker. While Saint Louis had a rough patch a few years back they are certainly respectable...maybe never winning a Cup matters?

There are some commentaries out there which suggest why a guy who is unpopular here, Mr. Bettmann, is kept aboard.

But the fact remains that the bottom teams are losers. Management and the union had to come to grips with that in the last CBA. But this list also makes me wonder about the long-term viability of some teams. I can understand my backyard Panthers being a value "turd:" We bitch about the Flyers not making the playoffs for only the 2nd time in what, 19 years. My backyard Panthers (who play in a beautiful, easy-to-access facility, not like Phoenix) have only made the playoffs twice in the past 11 years. They may not warrant support. But if I look at cross-state Tampa Bay--which has a much better track record--they aren't doing much better.

Best wishes to all,

Howie